Chinese Journalists Resume Operations in North Korea After Five Years

Chinese journalists from CCTV and the People’s Daily have returned to North Korea after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This return aligns with North Korea’s selective reopening to foreign media under strict government control. Concerns about journalistic independence and the risks of state propaganda remain prominent.

Journalists from China’s state-run media, CCTV and the People’s Daily, have resumed operations in North Korea after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. This marks a significant reopening for foreign media in North Korea, where previously, only select agencies were allowed to operate under stringent government oversight. Currently, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and a few Western media, including AP and AFP, have been permitted entry, although AP and AFP have not yet returned.

The re-entry of Chinese journalists occurred on February 27, and the pro-Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo also announced its bureau’s reopening after a five-year suspension, attributing it to the end of temporary constraints linked to the pandemic. The situation unfolds as North Korea appears to be sending mixed signals regarding foreign border policies; recently closing its entry points to tourists less than a month after allowing them back in, indicating fears of information dissemination.

Since September 2023, only groups of Russian tourists had been allowed to enter North Korea. The establishment and status of foreign media bureaus are strictly managed by North Korean agencies, which require various approvals from the government. While foreign media fields face scrutiny regarding their independent reporting capabilities due to tight restrictions imposed by the regime, this has raised concerns over their role in disseminating propaganda rather than objective news.

Moreover, South Korean media outlets have expressed interest in expanding media cooperation with North Korea. In particular, KBS’s aspirations to set up a Pyongyang bureau were met with skepticism and criticism surrounding journalistic integrity and possible exploitation of resources. Critics highlighted the risk that such operations could facilitate the flow of foreign funds into the North Korean regime, raising ethical and fiscal concerns.

The return of Chinese journalists to North Korea signifies a cautious step towards reopening for foreign media following the strict pandemic measures. However, the landscape remains complex, as the regime’s tight control raises critical questions about journalistic independence and the potential for foreign media to inadvertently support state narratives. The continuing wariness from South Korean media reflects broader anxieties about ethical reporting and implications for financial responsibilities towards the North Korean government.

Original Source: rfa.org